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My InterpretationThe first stanza talks about the downturn of the U.S. in a cosmopolitan sense, as this song is a sociological commentary. He insinuates a loss of pride, seemingly for the later mentioned "crucified USA." Note the "never need to 'pologize" leads to "purple" when the subject's lips unfold. Purple is a literary symbol of flowery monologue, or rhetoric. It comments on the rhetorical speak that is in stead of responsibility in the political sense.

"You better learn to crawl before I walk away" is likely hearkening to the cliche image of peons having to crawl before their monarch, likening either our government, or the world stage, to a monarchy. In light of recent years, it is likely the court of world opinion that is this monarchy.

The line in the third stanza regarding the broken mouth is a likely a simple commentary on the inability of the individual to speak out. It could also have to do with the symbolism of broken teeth, meaning a state of disrepair in one's life. This could fit with the theme of heavy powers bearing down. The ensuing lines, however, begin to paint the picture that the unscathed grave will soon be filled, arguably with the force which has caused this disrepair.

"The reds, the whites and abused" is a more clear reference to the abuse of citizens of the United States. However, he does not impune the U.S.A., rather he paints America as either the savior or a victim by calling her "crucified." This could mean that the US itself is the abused, and not her citizens. It could be viewed either way.

"Just let the prophecy unfold, all hell will soon be on its way" could very likely reference the many prophecies that have had attention called to them recently, whether it be the 2012 prophecies of armageddon, DaVinci's encoded panels of armageddon, the Biblical Antichrist, or simply a historical foreshadowing of what happens when a power like the U.S. begins to change direction abruptly, like the Roman Empire, in example.

"You rat," calls on the force or forces that has caused this shift within the U.S., and tells it to leave, though acknowledging that it or they are searching for an alibi, or a way to pawn of the blame. This again hearkens to the opening stanza regarding rhetorical speak. The lyrics above exclude the line "They never went to Sunday Mass." at the close of the stanza following the first chorus. This could infer an accusation of a lack of morality or justice.

In the last bridge, he settles on "They want to see us crawl before they walk away." This finally begins to call out 'they' as a driving force behind change, clarifying somewhat now that the U.S. in and of itself is not the party of blame. It takes on a 1984-esque view of powerful figures, not unlike the political views of many during the 60s and 70s, somewhat shifting the argument that the driving force is, in fact, governmental figures.

While the song itself is more geared toward pointing out the change in America, rather than denouncing figures who have changed it, it does make this final image very clear. However, as previously stated, it does show the United States as a victim to this difference. Bearing in mind the time it was written, particularly who or what it was about is likely deducible.

Although in the first chorus it does sound as if he says something other than "prophecy," the idea that the word is 'hypocrisy' is wrong. Many people have tried to jump to this conclusion in keeping with the idea that the U.S. has been hypocritical. However, this song is not in reference to this mainstream criticism.

The song memorializes the former U.S. and awaits the "hell" that will likely correct the shift in American tradition.

It has Christian overtones in it as well. It sounds a bit like "The Great Tribulation". The bloody mouth could also speak of "Freedom of Speech" not being denied but paying a heavy price for it. Excellent analysis!

Song FactFrontman Caleb Followill explained to The Daily Telegraph September 17, 2008: "It honestly feels as if America has to learn how to crawl again before it can walk tall." He added: "In (Biblical) prophecy, it says at the end of days there will be wars and rumours of wars. Look at all the hurricanes and earthquakes and everything that's going on, to me its almost like what has been done in America has brought on the feeling of a religious war, and along with that a lot of other prophecies are coming to pass. It scares me."

Caleb joked to Rolling Stone magazine about this song's political stance: "Let's just say that Sean Penn is gonna like us more."

Caleb told Uncut magazine October 2008 the background to this song: "I think that just came from us being a band that pretty much grew up in Europe, and we couldn't really enjoy the success that we had because every time we went to a restaurant, everyone looked at us like we were these people that came from a country that supported war and supported all the terrible, terrible decisions and mistakes that were goin' on in America. Everyone in f--king country music and Green Day and all these other people were writing songs about America, so we refused to write anything political. But I always knew if I wanted to ever do it, I was going to do it like Rage Against the Machine — it wasn't going to be some ballad. If you really believe in something, you should be able to scream it from a mountain. But all of my songs are about five different things, usually. It's just talking about how someone can just come in and f--k everything up and then they're gone, and everyone else has to deal with the consequences."

So yeah its a lot about the direction America is going. At the time this was written, 2008. We just got out of an expensive war, housing market collapsed and recession was brewing.

It's a slam against all politicians.

"As the rat, and the fly
They're searching for an alibi
As we await the wrath
They never went to Sunday Mass"

The rat or crooked politician and the fly on the wall or people that are in on it are looking for ways to lie about our country as its being destroyed from the inside out by people who have no moral qualities.

"The reds and the whites and abused
The crucified USA
As their hypocrisy unfolds
Oh hell is truly on its way"

The American have been trying their best but are getting crucified by taxes going up, spending more on nonsense and used by the system. Both corrupt political parties. Their lies are becoming more and more obvious...destruction is coming.

You broke my mouth
The bloody bits are spitting out
Is your grave unscathed
The worm is counting down the days

You broke my mouth - meaning its harder for individual Americans to have a voice because politicians are evil. The more we say the worse it gets. Will the politicians truly go to the grave as the good people they claim to be...the worms in the grave are counting down the days.

Probably a reference to Obama's inauguration when it is freezing cold and his lips unfold as he talks to the nation. I'm certain Caleb does not like Obama as this song was written right after elections and the song is about America's doom. Obama notably faulted Americans for the worlds problems claiming we need to apologize to the world, yet Obama won't apologize for the way politicians act. Hes just another puppet full of hypocrisy.

General CommentI hear "the bloody bitch is spittin out" but I could be wrong.

Also, I think it is the "worm is countin down the days".

Anyways, I think this song may be taking a religious standpoint about the world coming to an end, and how some people (the rat and the fly) are going to be "searching for an alibi" to get into heaven. Like, not believing their whole lives until the time comes when they really need God. It makes sense to me, especially coming from their religious roots.

That is kind of what I get from these lyrics. Regardless, it is an incredible song.